Obesity in Cats:
By: Stanley P.
Obesity in cats is a problem that occurs more frequently in domestic cats. Whether your furry little friend ate a little too many treats or hasn’t exercised in a while, obesity in cats is unhealthy. Thankfully, obesity can be reversed with a couple of lifestyle changes. Due to this, it is important for cat owners to understand and know how to help their cat lose weight.
Weight
Generally, a healthy weight for a fully mature cat is 10 pounds. This doesn’t mean it’s the same for all cats. This number changes depending on the breed and genetic makeup of your cat. For example, a Siamese cat can be 5 pounds and that’ll be a healthy weight. On the other side of the spectrum, a Maine coon can be 25 pounds and that’ll also be a healthy weight. Cats are considered overweight if they are 10-20% heavier than their ideal weight. Anything above 20%, and that same cat is obese.
What Causes Weight Gain?
It’s common knowledge that overeating leads to weight gain. These are the most common factors in cats for weight gain.
- Overfeeding: Cats with unlimited access to food tend to overeat
- Overeating: Commercial cat food are very palatable for cats, and they tend to overeat if they can
- Age: Older cats need fewer calories and are less active
- Gender: Female cats are more likely to gain weight
- Neutering/Spaying: Spayed and Neutered cats need less calories
- Lack of exercise: More calories are consumed than used, which leads to weight gain
- Breed: Some breeds are more likely to gain weight
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can cause weight gain
- Feeding Habits: For example, giving “table scraps” to the cat
Health Problems
Obesity in cats increases the chances of developing disease and decreases the life expectancy of cats. Some health risks include:
- Increased frequency of join injury
- Heavy risk of diabetes (80-90% of all obese cats are diagnosed)
- Compromised immune system; increased risk of illnesses
- Obese cats tend to drink less water which can lead to kidney stones
- Fatal diseases: liver failure, heart disease, arthritis, hypertension, some cancers
- Skin problems since it’s hard for cats to groom themselves
- Mental health problems, cats won’t be able to follow instincts as it’s hard to move around, this leads to distress
How to Reverse Obesity
It is proven that exercise and diet will help anyone lose weight (not only humans!) Here is how to help your cat cut off those extra pounds of fat.
- Encourage your cat to exercise by playing with it using toys
- This will get them moving and exercising. Daily exercise will be important to reversing obesity. Adding daily playtime is both fun for you and your cat
- Cut down on treats
- Don’t feed your cat treats as often as you used to. Always read the treat package for calorie information. Talk to your vet about healthy treats as well
- Switch the food
- There are cat foods out there that specialize in weight loss. Even though these foods provide fewer calories, they still get the same required nutrients!
- Stop free-feeding
- If you are free-feeding your cat, stop doing that and instead feed your cat several times a day or switch to a puzzle feeder. Cats tend to eat more than they have to when food is available all the time.
- Consult your vet
- Every cat is different, and all have different needs. Your veterinarian can help set a weight loss goal and work with you to achieve that goal
Conclusion
Obesity in cats is a reversible disease. If you are concerned that your cat may be overweight, talk with your Veterinarian and work out a plan for a healthy weight loss.
https://www.purina.ca/articles/cat/health/how-help-your-cat-lose-weight
https://www.hillspet.com/health-conditions/cat/weight-management
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-cats
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/healthy-weight-for-your-cat#
https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1-cats-and-play-feather-toy.jpg
http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/iStock_82702269_SMALL.jpg
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